This off-season, the New York Giants overhauled their offensive line, injecting draft capital and salary space. After years of Dave Gettleman failing to put together a competent line, general manager Joe Schoen has done a great job finding adequate talent without much cash to spend.
When he was first hired, Schoen indicated that the salary situation was not in a good place, but he still managed to sign Mark Glowinski to a three-year, $20 million deal.
One of management’s more interesting strategies has been the signing of players who have experience at multiple offensive line spots. That depth value and ability to transition to other positions give them plenty of insurance to supplement injuries.
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The New York Giants offensive line versatility:
Mark Glowinski:
Former Indianapolis Colts guard Mark Glowinski has experience on both sides of the OL. Glowinski features 1,233 snaps at left guard and 4,023 snaps at right guard, providing a good sample size of experience at both. If the Giants needed him to transition over to the left for whatever reason, he’s more than capable of doing so without skipping a beat.
Evan Neal:
Evan Neal is coming from an Alabama offense that asked him to play multiple positions during his three-year career with the Crimson Tide. In 2021, he predominantly featured at left tackle, enjoying 1,071 snaps. He played 765 snaps at right tackle in 2020 and 723 at left guard in 2019. Given his ability to play inside and out, Neal has significant value in case he ever needs to be moved.
Jon Feliciano:
The Giants are taking a risk with Jon Feliciano at center, but he has great value as a depth piece. Feliciano only has 323 total snaps at center but features 689 at left guard and 1,789 at right guard. He’s done a solid job filling in for the Buffalo Bills over the last three years. The Giants are keen on giving him an opportunity to start at center.
Feliciano is only on a one-year contract, so if he struggles, the Giants can still keep him around to help as a reserve player for the future.
Max Garcia:
The Giants also signed Max Garcia this off-season to help provide more depth at left guard. He has a ton of experience on the left side, including 297 stops at center and 834 at right guard. Garcia was a Pro Bowl alternate last season, despite giving up five sacks and 15 hurries over 864 total snaps.
Josh Ezeudu:
With starting left tackle Andrew Thomas still dealing with ankle issues, third-round rookie Josh Ezeudu has been playing left tackle with the first team during OTAs.
During his time with UNC, Ezeudu enjoyed plenty of reps at both LT and LG. In fact, he would often transition in the middle of a drive, showcasing his versatility to kick out wide and help his team in multiple facets.
That type of versatility will be extremely valuable for the Giants, especially since Thomas has dealt with a few injuries since being drafted.